The City of Boise is taking bold steps to address climate change and is bringing youth leaders to the table to drive climate solutions. The Youth Climate Action Council is made up of students from across the city to represent new voices and spark local action.
The youth council members are working alongside city staff to imagine, strategize and complete the design and building of projects and actions that will tangibly impact Boise. The youth council is collaborating on efforts to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop public art and create community education and engagement.
The city is committed to ensuring that Boise is adaptable in the face of climate change. It is critical that the city works together to reduce climate impacts, build a robust climate economy and craft community-based solution. City staff helps coordinate the council and equips them with the tools they need for success.
The Youth Climate Action Council is the next generation of climate leaders. Climate change is not a science challenge for the next generation, it’s a community-wide challenge to act on now. Each council member acts as a liaison for their schools, collaborating with fellow students on the work we do.
Co-Chairs
Co-chairs lead the youth council in climate action with a behind-the-scenes experience in local climate action planning.
John Harris − Council Co-chair
Capital High School
Abby Gnojewski − Council Co-chair
Timberline High School
Council Members
The City of Boise selected students with diverse perspectives who are passionate about climate action in their community.
Alekya Tanikella – Council member
Capital High School
Alexandria Combo – Council member
Timberline High School
Asha Muhingi – Council member
Capital High School
Jessi Abraham – Council member
Timberline High School
Hailey Clark – Council member
Bishop Kelly High School
Jayden Rehwalt – Council member
Centennial High School
Mackenzie Link – Council member
One Stone
Maya Mazariegos – Council member
Borah High School
Myrie Murphy – Council member
Boise High School
Skyler Barzee – Council member
Idaho Virtual Academy
Current Projects
Climate Stories
What is a Climate Story?
Climate Stories are a way of sharing your personal connection to climate change and its impact. The arts can release climate anxiety and empower voices. Climate stories inspire people to approach climate change in a hopeful way and identify changes they can make locally to take action.
The Youth Climate Action Council created short stories, poems, and artwork that depicts their connection to climate change happening here and now in Boise. These stories are what inspire the youth council to find climate solutions.
Carbon Sequestration Garden
Opening Spring 2022
The 2021 Youth Climate Action Council planted the first-ever Carbon Sequestration Garden at the Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center. The garden was planted to create an educational space for the community to learn about how we can use plants to help combat climate change locally.
What is Carbon Sequestration?
Carbon sequestration is the process by which carbon dioxide (CO2) is captured from the environment and stored by trees, shrubs, and other plants through photosynthesis. This process helps offset excess sources of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and wildfires.
All plants have carbon sequestering properties, so anyone can create a carbon sequestration garden! The council chose to use Idaho native plants to highlight the beauty and diversity of plants that naturally grow in our state. Native plants also help conserve water and promote local pollinator populations.
Visit the Foothills Learning Center to learn more.
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